Historic Marshfield

The City of Marshfield is rich in historic resources, with 5 Historic Districts, several individual buildings and even 1 building listed in the State and National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

The City of Marshfield has put together five self-guided walking tour brochures, one for each of the historic districts in Marshfield. Each brochure features several properties within the designated district along with photos, architectural information, and other interesting facts. Included is a map that will guide you past historically significant buildings within the districts while text tells the unique story of each.

One of the historic resources Marshfield has to offer is Upham Mansion. 212 W Third Street. Sixth Street Historic District. The Upham House District includes the excellent Italianate-style Governor William H. Upham House

The home was built in 1881 for Marshfield’s most prestigious citizen, William H. Upham. This was the first home in Marshfield to have electricity and running water. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, this restored home serves as the center for the North Wood Historical Society, and contains historical archives of the community and the surrounding areas.

The residential buildings are mostly associated with member of the Upham Family, whose members once owned the entire block and whose large factory and lumberyard complex, located only a block away, was Marshfield’s most important 19th century industry and largest employer. The Upham Family houses were among the few survivors of a catastrophic fire that destroyed the nearby Upham factory in 1887. Besides destroying the factory, this fire almost destroyed the entire commercial district as well. Fortunately, the Upham Family houses were spared and William Upham’s immediate decision to rebuild his Marshfield factory ensured that the rest of the city would also be rebuilt.